Dish could consider partnering with Google in wireless, The Information saysAccording to The Information, Dish Network (DISH) is likely to play a large role in the telecommunications industry in the coming years, and could look to form a partnership with Google (GOOG), something the companies have previously discussed. Though Google did not bid in the most recent auction of wireless spectrum, sources say Google executive Milo Medin, considered a bid. Reference Link

AMC Networks downgraded to Neutral from Outperform at MacquarieMacquarie downgraded AMC Networks to Neutral due to valuation and the high cost of producing scripted originals, especially "Better Call Saul." Price target is $72.

DISH Chairman Ergen says prefers not to use equity to raise cashSays Sling would not make it after potential Comcast/Time Warner Cable merger as the combined company would have a giant advantage in online TV. Says plans to continue as CEO unless, "I find someone better." Says short term battles over programming costs eventually pay off. Says Q1 adversely impacted by Fox, Turner blackouts. Says Sling TV results "encouraging after two weeks." Says Sony's OTT will include a full package of programs, and the company has less to lose by having no pay-TV service. Says more TV programmers worried about not being on Sling.

DISH Chairman Ergen says will consider talks over spectrumSays DISH Pay-TV is mature, Sling TV has upside potential. Says company has used most of cash on latest airwave aution. Says "comfortable" with current liquidity, it's not an issue. Says 600MHZ aution is key to leveling the playing field.

AT&T VP critical of Dish auction tacticsAT&T (T) VP of Federal Regulatory Joan Marsh stated in a post to a corporate blog that FCC Auction 97 represents "hard evidence that there is significant continuing interest in licensed spectrum... It didn't matter that it was mid-band spectrum. It mattered only that it was broadband spectrum." Marsh notes that Dish (DISH) won more licenses than any other bidder though "none of that spectrum is currently supporting commercial wireless services," with her suggestion being that "auctions should be designed to ensure that licenses go to those willing to deploy networks – not speculators or stockpilers...The government should continue to place a high priority on allocating new licensed bands to the wireless industry." Marsh continues her analysis of Dish, claiming the double and triple-bidding activity carried out by its two designated entities "circumvented auction activity rules, masked actual demand and distorted the auction," as they were able to win significant allocations while enjoying a 25% small business discount. In response to Dish claims that all companies use DEs, Marsh replies that "in more recent auctions... bidders like AT&T, Verizon (VZ) and T-Mobile (TMUS) had no DE relationships, participated directly and paid full price for their licenses." Reference Link